#04-291
Oct. 19, 2004

Rosalynn Carter Institute urges Georgians to remember caregivers

Governor proclaims November as 'Georgia Caregivers Month'

AMERICUS--The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving (RCI), based at Georgia Southwestern State University, is leading the effort to raise public awareness of caregiving challenges. At the request of the RCI, Gov. Sonny Perdue has proclaimed November 2004 as Georgia Caregivers Month. 

"We are delighted to receive recognition from the highest level of government in Georgia--the governor's office--for family caregivers around the state," said Ronda C. Talley, Ph.D., MPH, executive director of the RCI. "Caregivers provide much-needed care to thousands of individuals of all ages who require care, while receiving little or no financial reward for their efforts. This recognition by the governor's office demonstrates that caregivers are not alone or unrecognized in their caregiving responsibilities." 

The proclamation will be officially presented Nov. 19 during the RCI "Creating Caring Caregiver Networks" conference at the Carter Presidential Center, located in Atlanta. The event is Georgia's first statewide conference on caregiving challenges and solutions. 

Caregiving in America and around the world has become a critical public health issue. In America alone, an estimated 44 million citizens are caring for someone they love. 

"The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving is proud to have established coalitions of caregivers throughout the state of Georgia," said Terry Elder, CARE-NET program director. "These coalitions, called CARE-NETs, are raising awareness of caregiving in Georgia. We are proud of the work of the Georgia CARE-NETs as they seek to improve services for caregivers in their communities." 

The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving was formed in honor of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter in 1987. Through research, education, and training, the RCI promotes the mental health and well-being of individuals, families, and professional caregivers; delineates effective caregiving practices; builds public awareness of caregiving needs; and advances public policies that enhance caring communities. 

For more information, call (229) 928-1234 or visit: www.RosalynnCarter.org.

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